Wine Talk

I am often asked which wine I like to drink myself. Well, that naturally depends heavily on the moment. I don't like drinking the same wine with a delicious lunch salad as I do in the evening with a hearty ribeye. Of course, within the options of rosé, white, and red wine, I have my preference depending on the occasion.

In addition to wines that pair well with various dishes, there are, of course, many fine wines that you can also enjoy on their own. Think of lighter wines that are fresh and easy to drink. You often choose a wine you already know. That feels nice and safe. But there are also all kinds of opportunities to discover new flavors and types.

Of course, it can happen that a wine is disappointing and/or does not suit your personal preference. Try not to view this as a bad purchase, but consider it a learning experience. After all, you know which wine you won't choose next time.

Besides color and type, you often focus on price as well. That makes sense, because not everyone buys a bottle of white wine for 37 euros to accompany drinks. But I would still like to challenge you to look a little further than the ‘cheapest’ wine.

When you are willing to pay a little more for a bottle or glass of wine, you are entitled to expect more wine. Take, for example, an extra bottle of wine by the glass at €6 in a restaurant. Many people consider such a wine expensive.
How can you say that if you haven't tasted it yet? These types of wines are often different and made with more love, care, and attention. They also have a different purchase price. Nowadays, most hospitality businesses offer these wines with a fixed markup, rather than a higher margin percentage. As a result, you get the chance to taste and drink something special for a relatively excellent price. And every now and then, you even come across a unique food and wine pairing. Sometimes, you are just on the verge of a lucky break…

What fine wine, delicious food, and good hospitality can do for you.

Sanne Schilstra
Sales Manager Wine merchant Dikkers Groningen

Sanne has been a sommelier in top hospitality establishments in the northern Netherlands for many years, is a hospitality expert, and has an immense passion for wine and hospitality. Sanne will write a monthly column for Horeca Groningen.